Ecuador’s HEKA launches space law practice

“With our sights set on the construction of Ecuador's first spaceport by 2030, we face an exciting challenge. The country does not yet have a national space law , which means the legal framework that will govern this industry is being designed today. At HEKA, that work started before this announcement. We have advised on international space operations, negotiated satellite capacity contracts, and structured foreign investment in critical infrastructure. We have also participated in the forums where the future of the sector is defined,” the firm said.

The firm has been an active part of the conversations seeking to shape Ecuadorian space regulation, and points out that the industry must be built correctly from the start: with social responsibility, sustainability, and a long-term vision.

The practice will offer counsel on regulatory and licensing areas, with the firm helping clients navigate the legal environment of ARCOTEL, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and international agreements like the Artemis Accords. The firm also manages satellite operating licenses, radio spectrum protection, and orbital sustainability compliance.

The firm also offers clients advice on corporate structuring and investment, advising on the creation of vehicles (SPVs), joint ventures, and investment contracts with the state or private-public Partnerships for key infrastructure such as spaceports, as well as commercial and transactional advice, drafting and negotiating the backbone of projects, such as launch contracts, satellite capacity acquisition, and Earth observation data commercialization agreements.

The firm also offers expertise in intellectual property, data and cybersecurity, ensuring compliance in data protection and cybersecurity for critical infrastructure.

HEKA’s space law practice is led by Andrés Terán.